Qassam rocket hits restaurant

Two Qassam rockets launched from the northern Gaza Strip landed near the southern town of Sderot Sunday evening. One of the rockets hit a restaurant in a nearby kibbutz, setting it ablaze.

No one was injured as the restaurant was empty at the time of the attack. Firefighters rushed to the scene where they worked to restrain the fire. Police removed curious spectators from the area for fear of the restaurant’s gas tanks exploding.

Rachel Cohen, the restaurant owner’s mother, told Ynet, “The restaurant has been closed for a few days because of the Qassams … It’s a shame, this restaurant had lots of visitors. All of the residents in the area knew it, and it’s a shame that it has been ruined.”

Sderot, Ashkelon, and Gaza vicinity communities are being secured by 1,500 police officers in light of the recent barrages.

“We estimate that the rocket fire will continue in the coming days. As far as we’re concerned, we have forces operating in all of the districts, and all communities,” said police commander Asher Levi.

Southern District Police Commander Uri Bar-Lev said that dozens of police officers from all over the country arrived at the area in order to volunteer.

Thirteen rockets have been launched towards the western Negev since Sunday morning, and over 130 have landed on Israeli territory since Tuesday.